july 2017 - volume 4, number 7 patc’s 90th anniversary...

PATC’S 90TH ANNIVERSARY: HIKE #2All photos by Wm Needham

The Route: The Appalachian Trail between Snickers Gap and Ashby Gap (Linear hike that requires a car shuttle. See note at 0.6 mile, below, for a much shorter circuit.) Significance: This hike parallels the second section of the AT to be scouted, cut, and blazed by the club’s earliest members in 1927-28. It is of special historical note as the area of the first pre-PATC scouting trip made by Myron Avery and several others who took a bus from Washington to Ashby Gap and explored north in October, 1927. By using old woods roads along the eastern ridge and slope, they found that a trail was feasible. Based in part on this assessment, PATC was officially established at the Metropolitan Bank Building in Washington,D C on 22 November, 1927. The successful opening of the AT from Harper’s Ferry to Bluemont in time for the annual Red Triangle Club hike in the spring of 1928 resulted in a fourfold increase in trail workers from the original eight. A new goal was set by newly elected PATC President Myron Avery; to reach Linden by November, 1928.

The first challenge in this sector was road access. The only reliable road was US 50 from Washington to Winchester through Ashby Gap. The road to Snickers

Mt. Weather- The 1927-28 route of the AT between Snickers and Ashby Gaps ran past Mt. Weather, which now hosts a federal facility (pictured) that is off limits to the public. The current route roughly parallels the original, but is off to the west.

Bridge- AT stream crossing between Snickers Gap and Ashby Gap

JULY 2017 - VOLUME 4, NUMBER 7

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB

118 PARK STREET, S.E., VIENNA, VA 22180‑4609WWW.PATC.NETISSN 098‑8L54

YOUTH AFFILIATION

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WHAT'S THAT FLOWER?

LEAVE NO TRACE

PATC Historical Map

Gap was dirt and “rough as the devil” and the road from Snickers to Mount Weather (the first leg of this section) was characterized as “just about passable.” There were no bridges; all streams had to be forded. One of the PATC members had acquired a car, and volunteers piled into it every weekend through the summer and fall of 1928 to work on the AT. Their original route passed through Bluemont and proceeded south along the Blue Ridge to federal land at Mount Weather, which had been acquired by the National Weather Bureau in the 1890s as a site for launching kites to monitor wind speed and temperature. Used as a practice artillery range during World War I, it had been largely abandoned by 1928. The PATC crew blazed the route through private property and abandoned federal land along the ridge and its eastern slope. They weaved east and west as guided by terrain and old woods roads. Compared to sections where no logging and charcoal-making had occurred, they recorded that the work was relatively easy. Today’s AT takes a different track along the western slope. After World War II, Route 601 (Blue Ridge Mountain Road) was established from Snickers Gap to Mount Weather and eventually extended to Ashby Gap. The Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Railroad, which operated from Alexandria to Bluemont from 1900 to 1939, also contributed to residential development of the area. The new owners opposed a public access trail

through their properties, and PATC was forced to relocate it, initially onto Route 601. The 1968 National Trails Act, passed largely due to the advocacy of PATC and the consortium of nonprofits now known as the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC), established the AT corridor under federal law. Private parcels were acquired, and the trail was shifted west to its current alignment. Crossing a series of deep, stream-cut ravines, some 10 miles of the AT here became known as the

“Roller Coaster” for its ten major ascents of up to 500 feet. It is now a much more challenging hike than PATC’s founders intended, and deemed the most difficult section of the AT in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Distance: 13.9 miles Total ascent: 3000 feet

Getting there: From I-495 (the Capital Beltway), go west on Route 66 and take exit 23 north on Route 17 to Route 50 at Paris. Go left 1 mile on Route 50 to right turn onto Route 601. In about 0.2 miles, turn left to the small parking lot (may be difficult to see from the road). After leaving

a shuttle car, proceed 13 miles north on Route 601. Just before the intersection with Route 7, turn left into the trail access parking lot at Snickers Gap.

Fees: None Reference: PATC’s Appalachian Trail Guide to Maryland and Northern Virginia (2015 ed.), pp. 146-157; PATC Map #8 (Snickers Gap to Chester Gap)

Totem- "Totem" in the parking lot at the entrance to Bear's Den Hostel, just off the Appalachian Trail near Snickers Gap.

Boulder- The current route of the Appalachian Trail south of Snickers Gap curls around this large boulder. The route in this area has seen a couple of shifts since PATC's initial work in 1927-28

2 JULY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN

PATC HOSTS NOLS LEAVE NO TRACE MASTER EDUCATOR COURSEAll photos by Ricardo Flores

On April 30 – May 4, PATC’s Trail Patrol, in partnership with Shenandoah National Park, hosted a National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Leave No Trace Master Educator Course. Students and instructors began to arrive at the Pinnacles Research Station, a CCC-era bunkhouse facility in SNP’s Central District, ahead of the course and shared a pasta dinner provided by a PATC volunteer before settling into their bunks.

The course kicked off on Sunday morning with seven students co-lead by NOLS instructor, Sam Talucci and PATC Trail Patrol volunteer instructor, Hal Hallett. The first day of the course was held at the Pinnacles Research Station in classroom sessions. Monday morning the class headed north on the AT for their four-day field experience in SNP’s Hazel Country. By afternoon rain moved into the area and the forecast escalated to include strong storms with possible tornadoes. The instructors made the wise choice to return to Pinnacles for the night and resume the backcountry trek the following morning. On Tuesday, the class dropped back into Hazel Country via the Hannah Run Trail and enjoyed mild weather for the rest of their trek. SNP Backcountry Ranger, Rebecca Unruh, attended the course and was able to provide students with information on the park’s backcountry management strategies as they relate to the Leave No Trace program. Thursday, the class returned to Pinnacles for wrap-up

and graduation, sharing lunch together before sweeping up the Pinnacles Research Station and starting their journeys home.

The five day Leave No Trace Master Educator Course is the top-tier of Leave No Trace Training. The course can only be offered by a small number of providers approved by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. NOLS developed the curriculum and taught the initial LNT Master Educator course in 1991.

PATC Trail Patrol has partnered with SNP to host the LNT Master Educator Course annually since 2010; always the Sunday – Thursday which includes May 1. As hosts, PATC coordinates with Shenandoah National Park to arrange for necessary facilities and equipment. PATC provides a volunteer Leave No Trace Master Educator to co-lead the course with the NOLS instructor, and recruits a volunteer to provide transportation to/from Dulles for students traveling from

out of the area. Shenandoah National Park provides use of the Pinnacles Research Station, audio visual equipment, and waives the park entrance fee for participants. NOLS provides all of the group backcountry equipment, including tents and cook gear. This is shipped to our PATC volunteer instructor who brings it to the course and ships it back to NOLS after the course. NOLS also provides all of the food for the course. This year, with a government shutdown looming, amid fear the park could be closed, NOLS and PATC scrambled to provide a backup facility and plan, ultimately reserving one of the PATC cabins just in case. Thankfully, the park was open and the course went on as planned.

As a benefit of hosting the course, NOLS grants us one free spot each year. We share that free spot with the SNP, alternating years. To date we have provided free LNT Master Educator training to four SNP employees and three PATC Trail Patrol volunteers. This helps both the park and PATC Trail Patrol to maintain a base of trainers qualified to teach the 2-day LNT Trainer Course. This is a huge help, as the course normally costs $845.

PATC Trail Patrol volunteers teach the 2-day Leave No Trace Trainer Course for the public at least three times each year. Each year the demand for this course seems to grow. Our volunteer LNT Master Educators make it possible for PATC to offer this important training. Special thanks to each of our PATC Trail Patrol volunteers who have given a week of their time to co-lead the LNT Master Educator course since we began this program in 2010: Matt Carroll, Cindy Kelly, Ron Burger (3 times!), Danny Cunningham, and Hal Hallett.

~ Cindy Kelly

Heading down the Meadow Spring Trail.

The students break into cook groups for the field portion of the course. Here two cook groups are preparing meals using the NOLS fry-bakes. Hal Hallett, Sam Talucci, Jill Bryant, and Rebecca Unruh.

3JULY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN

“We often lose sight of this because of having to deal with all of the day-to-day routines of what we do for PATC, but it is important that we never forget it. We could not do this work as individuals,” Jim has found. “The genius of the founders of PATC was not only in their completion of the vision of the AT, but in how they organized themselves in order to achieve that. From the outset they formed a team, each person playing an essential role. The world has

changed a great deal in the last 90 years, but the essential nature of teamwork to perform our mission has not changed.

“It is a good thing that we have differing opinions and approaches,” he continues. “The strongest trail bridges are laminates where the wood grain is in many different directions. Being a team, our goal should be to always remain respectful and polite while being good listeners and learners, and processing what we have heard into actions based on consensus. This is the reason we are here – to work together to continue the essential work of the Club.”

Jim says he looks at the entire suite of current PATC maps on the walls at PATC HQ as if they are championship trophies. “Few of these trails would exist if not for PATC. There would be nowhere to go in these hills to refresh ourselves if not for our work and the work of who have gone before us. It is our role to continue that great mission, while bringing in the next generations of PATC leaders to follow us into the future.”

The newly installed President concludes: “Our volunteer work is absolutely essential to the health and wellbeing of people and nature. Let us never forget this as we work together in an ever-changing society to achieve our goals.”

MEET PATC’S NEW PRESIDENT, JIM TOMLIN

When PATC’s President unexpectedly resigned on April 20, the constitution charged the remaining elected officers of the Club with choosing a successor to finish his term. Supervisor of Trails Jim Tomlin was suggested as a seasoned contender for the post, and he accepted the nomination. During the ExCom meeting on May 30, he was confirmed as the PATC’s top officer. Jim will serve out the remainder of the current term, which runs until December, 2018.

Jim Tomlin began volunteering with PATC in the late 1970s, helping Trail Overseer Bob Moose on Robertson Mountain Trail and Corbin Hollow Trail in Central SNP. “Bob was and still is a hero to me, in that he made doing volunteer trail work fun and rewarding, while also being very productive,” Jim says. “I absolutely loved helping Bob with his trail. Any appreciation for me getting hooked on PATC should go to Bob and all of the other volunteers who bring in their friends, family, and colleagues.”

In the intervening years, Jim has been a Trail Overseer, Shelter Construction Crew member, Trail Crew member, District Manager, IT Chair, Supervisor of Membership, Supervisor of Communications, and GPS Rangers Chair. Last November he was elected Supervisor of Trails. He has volunteered from central Pennsylvania to central Virginia, D.C. to West Virginia, and everything in between.

Many in the Club have heard Jim jokingly say during heated, contentious debates: “Thank goodness we are only a trail club and not deciding matters of life and death.”

Although quick with a joke, Jim is very serious about PATC and its mission. “When you consider the immeasurable value of hiking trails for healing purposes – clearing the mind, stretching the legs, getting fresh air, thinking things over, getting through crises, discovering the wonders of nature, learning, and growing – indeed our work is more important for long-term health than any injection or pill that you could get in a hospital,” he says.

New PATC president Jim Tomlin.Photo by Jim Tomlin

Join our workshop to help new and seasoned overseers learn or hone the skills needed to be effective trail maintainers. Clipping, blazing, water bars, and trail safety will be covered. To help us move away from using water bars, the construction of rolling grade dips (a more

sustainable, and less intrusive, water control feature than water bars), will also be taught. This is on the job training. We will walk a trail section with tools and practice the tasks necessary for routine trail maintenance. Pre registration required by no later than the Friday one week prior to the class. Class size will be limited to ten.

Email your name and cell phone, and the date you wish to take the class to Robert@Fina‑co.com

TRAIL MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP

2017 Classes • July 9. Bull Run Occoquan Trail • September 16. C and O Canal October 7. AT near Linden Va.

Registrants will receive an email with location and other details.


HIKER'S NOTEBOOK: YELLOW JACKET WASPPhotos by Wm Needham

Hiking Dystopia

Part Two

Part one in this two part series discussed the more global aspects of wasp biology and physiology. Part two will address local subspecies and the impact that they have on human activity and industry.

There are two species of yellow jacket that warrant special consideration: the southern yellow jacket (V. squamosa) indigenous to southeastern North America, and the European yellow jacket (V. germanica) indigenous to Eurasia but globally invasive and notably aggressive. Southern yellow jackets are particularly insidious, as the queens will preferentially invade the nest of another, less aggressive yellow jacket species (mostly V. maculifrons) rather than following the traditional and more onerous task of cell by cell nest construction; 80 percent of all V. squamosa nests inspected in a field study were usurped from other species. This behavioral pattern is called facultative parasitism, and marks the incidence of evolutionary deviation away from the one queen/nest colony to a polygynous (multi-queen) social order.

The multiple queen model of V. squamosa extends to the larger, perennial nests pervasive in warmer climates, the increased volume allowing for independent sub-colonies under individual regencies. The net result is more yellow jackets defending larger nests that need more food to feed both themselves and the larvae they maintain – and the incipience of a pest management problem.

Yellow jacket workers are aptly named; they work to build the cells for the eggs and they work to feed the larvae to make

more female workers (in addition to new queens and their consorts). Yellow jackets must eat to work; they do not produce the honey of the honey bees nor do they collect pollen to make the “bee bread” of the bumble bees. In the nascent colony, the first generation workers feed mostly on their fellow arthropods, returning to the nest with their incapacitated prey to feed the larvae of their future cohort, ultimately to become a closely related sorority.

The pernicious predation of yellow jackets on other insects has resulted in some evolutionary pressure for tree boring beetles to employ mimicry in the form of yellow jacket markings on the wing-covering elytra. Another important part of their

omnivore diet is the consumption of what may euphemistically be called the ‘digestive excretions’ of the larvae they tend. While execrable to humans, trophallaxis (Greek for food exchange) is quite common among arthropods; many ant species “herd” aphids to collect their excrement which is known as honeydew - because it collects on leaves in small, sweet droplets; more generally, insect excrement is called frass.

In smaller, annual colonies, the consumption of larval excretions, dead insects, nectar, and fruit sugars suffices to meet alimentary needs of its denizen wasps. In larger colonies, the demand outstrips the supply, and hungry yellow jackets seek out new sources of food, the most available sources of which are anthropomorphic and include the standard picnic fare of carbonated drinks, cakes, fruit, and ice cream. Many a bucolic picnic has ended in panic. The insatiable appetite of the yellow jacket hordes is not confined to humans.

A yellow jacket foray was reported at Portland, Oregon Zoological Garden in 1973 that was so pervasive that it even drove the lions from their food; tigers on the Indian subcontinent have been observed blowing on the carcass of their downed prey to rid it of wasps prior to feeding – probably from painful experience. Yellow jackets are also known to attack honey bee hives for nutrition, a problem for apiarists, to say nothing of the bees themselves. The economic losses due to yellow jacket depredations are difficult to estimate, but are thought to be substantial. Stings to various agricultural workers in California resulted in an estimated loss of $200,000 in 1968 due to lost hours and productivity. In one 5 year period, 5 percent of all Forest Service medical expenses (lost time and treatment) were due to wasp stings. In 1975, over 90 percent of all of the (mostly pinot noir) grapes in Oregon and Washington were ruined by yellow jackets piecing the grape skin to feed on the juice.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, stings from wasps, bees and hornets are the leading cause of human mortality in the United States due to animal interaction among all categories (58 per year). Admittedly, this is partly due to an allergic life-threatening reaction to bee and wasp venom called anaphylactic shock; it is estimated that about 0.5% of the

Yellow Jacket- The common name yellow jacket for the "little hornet" wasp describes the predominant yellow bands on the dorsal side of the thorax.

The pernicious predation of yellow jackets on other insects has resulted in some evolutionary pressure for tree boring beetles to employ mimicry in the form of yellow jacket markings on the wing-covering elytra.


sides of the extraction hose, extracts of yellow jacket venom were found to induce “recruitment from the nest, flight to the source, and stinging attacks.” The virulence of the venom and the enticements of its aroma are evolutionary adaptations to defend the nest against large mammals such as bears, skunks and raccoons that feed on the larva. They must be driven off with collective power to protect the colony. Unfortunately, to the yellow jacket, the innocent hiker is just another large mammal wandering in the forest; a well-deserved blow to anthropocentric arrogance with which some view nature.

~ Wm Needham

WHAT'S THAT FLOWER: PEA FAMILY FLOWERSPhotos by Richard Stromberg Summer continues to find our trails spotted with colorful Pea Family flowers.

Yellow Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria) likes sandy/rocky soils, so it is common on the sandstone-based trails of Shenandoah National Park and the Valley and Ridge district to the west. The scientific names are redundant: genus name Baptisia is derived from a Greek word meaning “to dye” and the species name tinctoria means “used for dying”. Yellow wild indigo has been used for dying, but indigo dye is derived from tropical bushes in the genus Indigofera. The plant is a shrubby perennial up to three feet tall. It grabs your attention by sticking branches out into the trail with racemes of half-inch flowers. The flowers have the typical pea flower form with the banner, keel, and

wings all bright yellow. The leaves consist of three leaflets and have no stems, i.e. they are attached directly to the twigs.

Blue Wild Indigo (Baptisia australis—southern) is rare, found only on flood-scoured rocky or gravelly bars. Finding Wildflowers in the Washington-Baltimore Area by Cristol Fleming, Marion Blois Lobstein, and Barbara Tufty says it grows in such areas along both sides of the Potomac. It is similar to yellow wild indigo but the plant can be twice as tall, the raceme has more flowers, and the flowers are blue-violet.

Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) flowers are similar to yellow wild indigo, but instead of growing along the stem of the raceme, they circle at the end like a crown. The plant stems tend to trail along the ground. The leaves have five leaflets: two flush against the main stem and three further out. The three outer leaflets yield the name “trefoil”. Lotus is derived from an ancient Greek word

applied to several plants. Corniculatus means claws, derived from the shape of the pods, which sometimes are arranged to look like a bird’s foot. It grows in open areas. I have seen it along Bucktail Trail on Great North Mountain, on Roaring Plain south of Dolly Sods, and above Trout Pond. It is not native and has been declared invasive in New England and The Great Plains. The plant with the common name “Lotus”, looks like a water lily and is not related to Lotus corniculatus.

Crown Vetch (Securigera varia--variable) flowers circle at the end of the stem like a crown, like bird’s-foot trefoil, except the flower banner is light purple and the

population is susceptible. By comparison deaths due to bears, sharks and alligators are negligible (1 per year each). The closest competitor category is “other mammals,” at 52 per year (this group excludes fatal dog attacks at 28 per year, and, surprisingly, fatal cow interactions at 20 per year). This is consistent with previous work: a study of the period 1950-1959 found that 229 of 460 recorded deaths due to venomous animals were Hymenopterans. This should come as no surprise since yellow jackets can sting multiple times and frequently attack in large groups.

Wasp stinger physiology differs from that of the bees; whereas bee stingers are barbed to prevent retraction and bees can therefore only sting once (after which they die due to evisceration), yellow jacket stingers are smooth and can be extracted and reinserted multiple times. Another factor is that the yellow jacket sting is a defensive weapon; their venom is accordingly much more potent than that of the other aculeate wasps, whose sting is mild by comparison. A complicated mixture of biologically active agents including histamine, serotonin and noradrenalin, the venom causes muscle contraction, vasodilation of blood vessels (lowering blood pressure), tissue destruction and intense pain.

Yellow jackets attack in swarms because their venom also contains pheromones that incite alarm; the act of stinging automatically instigates a synchronized attack by all yellow jackets within olfactory range. In a 1987 study, which was inspired by the observation that yellow jackets being removed with a vacuum cleaner stung the

Yellow jackets attack in swarms because their venom also contains pheromones that incite alarm

Indigo- Yellow Wild Indigo

Trefoil- Bird’s-foot Trefoil


keel and wings are white. Until recently crown vetch had been classified in the genus Coronilla,which is the diminutive of the Latin word for crown. Securigera in Latin means "armed with axe," referring to the shape of the fruit of another species in the genus. It is a straggling plant. The pinnate leaves have 11-25 leaflets. It was abundantly planted on roadbanks to control erosion, but has turned out to be an invasive alien. So you find it on

roadsides such as the road from the parking lot to the Thompson Hollow Trail to go to Overall Run, and a lot of the fire roads that start hikes in the Massanuttens.

The Sweet-clover genus (Melilotus) has two species in our area: white sweet-clover (M. alba—white) and yellow sweet-clover (M. officinalis—of the shops). The genus name

derives from two Greek words that mean “honey” and “legume”. The two species look the same except for the color of the flowers. The leaves have three leaflets like clover, but the leaflets are long and narrow. The individual flowers are small like clover, but, instead of in a ball atop the stem, they are stretched on a long stem (up to eight inches) growing from the upper axils. The plants are much taller than clover - up to six feet. They grow in any open area and are naturalized here from Europe.

Butterfly Pea (Clitoria mariana—of Maryland) is a sprawling vine up to three feet long. Its leaves have three elliptical leaflets. The inflorescence has one to

three flowers. The flower is dominated by a one-to-two inch banner petal which usually lies on the ground face upward. It is light purple with darker veins. The pale keel and wing petals are tiny by comparison and straggle at the stem end of the banner, looking like a clitoris, the source of the genus name. It grows in dry, open places. I have seen it on the Mudhole Gap Trail near the Bear Wallow parking lot in Fort Valley in the Massanuttens and on the road to my house.

Groundnut (Apios americana) is a wetland plant. It has sweet, edible tubers. The tubers are pear-shaped, and Apios means pear in Greek. It is a perennial vine, climbing over things up to six feet. The leaf has five to seven two-inch leaflets. The flower spike is up to four inches long with many tightly-packed, purple-

Clover- Sweet Clover

Crown Vetch

Butterfly Pea

brownish flowers. The wide banner is notched and the keels incurved. I have not seen it. Finding Wildflowers in the Washington-Baltimore Area says iT grows in Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge and Locust Shade Park on the south side of Prince William Forest Park.

Pencilflower (Stylosanthes biflora—two-flowered) has four to 18 inch upright or prostrate stems. Leaves have three long leaflets. The inflorescences are surrounded by tan bristles and have two to six small (¼ inch), yellow flowers. It grows in dry areas. Finding Wildflowers in the Washington-Baltimore Area says it grows in Dry Cut Meadows of Manassas Battlefield National Park, open areas of Prince William Forest, and on dry shale cliffs in Fort Valley in the Massanuttens.

~ Richard Stromberg


JULY VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

MARTHA BECTON

All Photos by Steve McLaughlin

Martha, and her seven year old daughter Eddy, joined the PATC just one year ago.

Since then, Martha and Eddy have attended every Cadillac Crew trip, and have done trail work the length and breadth of the PATC territory. She has cut side hill,

chopped roots in 100 degree heat, done rock work, built log benches, refurbished a privy, mowed, weeded, and clipped.

Martha has attended a PATC rigging workshop, traditional looks work shop, first aid class, and has just earned TWO chain saw sawyer certificates. She has used her new sawing and swamping skills on blow downs at Denton shelter, Whisky Hollow, Glass house, Dunlodge, on the AT and C&O Palisades.

Martha is actively expanding her trail building knowledge by attending the Professional Trail Builders conference in Bend, Oregon in March, and is going to the International Trail Builders conference in May.

This past summer she became co-overseer of the Ambassador White House trail, containing the Paris overlook above

Sky Meadows State Park. During her short tenure as overseer, she and her co-overseer Mike Johnson have completed several major projects. The entire trail has been refurbished. Pesky blackberry bushes have been cut back to a safe distance. Using her new rigging skills, and contacts in the PATC rigging community, she facilitated the construction of a beautiful new set of stone steps.

With her rigging and sawyer skills she has led several works trips to hew and move 2000 pound logs into foot bridges at C&O Palisades.

Recently appointed District Manager for C&O Palisades, possibly the newest

volunteer ever to be appointed to be a DM, Martha is delivering to the park a suite of trail improvement proposals to the park.

Martha is also the co leader of the new Potomac Crew, which has been completing projects in C&O Palisades and Bull Run Occoquan District.

When not working tirelessly for the PATC, Martha is a patent examiner, backpacking enthusiast, and devoted mom.

Her passion for trail work, get- it- done attitude, enthusiasm, and safety ethic are inspirations for all of us who work with her.

~ Steve McLaughlin


INTO THE PARK

South of Chester Gap, near Front Royal, was a vast territory that Myron Avery knew was to become a new national park. In 1924 Congress had authorized three new national parks, the first in the East. One was in Kentucky, the second in the Smokies on the Tennessee-North Carolina border. The most northerly one was entirely in Virginia, along the Blue Ridge mountain chain. This rugged mountain vastnesss was populated by hardscrabble farmers, eking out a living on rocky soil. Almost all of them were squatting on land owned by someone else. But the land looked nothing like it does today, and certainly did not resemble a national park. It has been estimated that approximately one-third of the acreage was high pasture. Much of what was left of the forest was dead, owing to the catastrophic chestnut blight. The farmers, most of them of Scotch-Irish descent, were working some of the poorest land in the East – steep rocky hillsides and high pasture populated by dead chestnuts, known as ghost forests. Those with means had already decamped for more fertile land in the Midwest.

Bears, iconic residents of the present-day park, had been exterminated. There wasn’t a single bear known to exist in the future park in 1930, even though today the park has more resident bears than any other park in the nation.

There were a few tourist lodges – one at Panorama where the Federal highway crossed a gap in the mountains named after Francis Thornton, an early resident. A second was far south, at Black Rock, perched just north of Jarman Gap. (Black

became the very first large CCC project in the country. The laborers were employed building Skyline Drive, and its path went right over the new section of the Appalachian Trail. But Avery had friends in Washington, the most important of whom was Arno Cammerer, the Deputy Superintendent of the National Park Service. Avery’s close relationship with Cammerer resulted in a commitment by the Park Service to employ workers from the CCC, who were working on the Drive, to relocate and rebuilt the Appalachian Trail.

Rather than simply lopping branches and painting blazes, the CCC boys (as they were known) dug the new trail down to mineral soil. This had become standard U.S. Forest Service procedure, and the National Park Service

adopted it as a way to make a more permanent trail route. If all the vegetation along the treadway were removed, there would be much less doubt where one was to walk.

And so, the CCC rebuilt much of the Appalachian Trail in the 105-mile Park, from Front Royal in the north to Rockfish Gap in the south.

Next month – on to Rockfish!

*Owlish and bespectacled, Cammerer’s aspect did not betray his extensive influence at the national level. Avery used Cammerer often to secure compliance from resistant park service officers.

~ Tom Johnson

Rock Hotel had already burned down some years earlier.) But these were of little consequence compared to a large tourist lodge and cabins at a place called Skyland, about ten miles south of Thornton Gap. Owned by an eccentric entrepreneur named George Freeman Pollock (Pollock was a snake charmer as well as a lodge owner), Avery and Pollock had known each other since 1926. The friendship undoubtedly influenced Avery’s decision on where to start building the A.T.

The new park was divided into three districts, named, unimaginatively enough, North, Central and South. North District began at the small town of Front Royal, and extended to Thornton Gap. The Central District began at Thornton, and extended on to the next highway crossing of the park, some 30 miles south.

Partly because of Avery’s friendship with Pollock, and for the obvious reason that Skyland was the largest center anywhere in what was to become Shenandoah National Park, Avery decided to begin building the new Appalachian Trail at Thornton Gap. PATC volunteers were working on the section from Thornton Gap to Mary’s Rock as early as April of 1928. And they enthusiastically marked the new trail route on to Skyland. Pollock had employed local residents to build trails around Skyland, and some of them, particularly the trail north from Skyland to the famous outcrop called Stony Man, were probably built by one of Pollock’s crews.

When he first became President in March of 1933, Roosevelt got Congress to create a Depression-era work program called the Civilian Conservation Corps. Part of the objective was environmental conservation, a cause near and dear to Franklin Roosevelt’s heart, and work in the new national Park


involved with the Den. It later changed to the Blue Ridge Environmental Center. Neither of these organizations was the right fit for Bears Den, for the simple reason that neither was a hiking organization, and Bears Den, right on the AT, was, or should have been, all about hiking. In 2006 my last year as president of PATC, Dave Lillard, the executive director of Blue Ridge Environmental Center and an old friend of mine, asked me and Dave Appel to a meeting. At the meeting he said the Center needed to get out of Bears Den management, and wondered if PATC would be willing to take it on.

Dave Appel and I asked to see the books. The Den, it turned out, had lost money every year since it opened as a hostel. As such, it had been a drag on ATC finances. I answered that we would consider it only if we could operate without a loss. After Lillard left, Dave and I pulled out a pocket calculator, and

with Dave’s advice and half an hour of figuring, it appeared that we could do so. (That would be possible, of course, only if Dave continued his repair program.)

After considerable study, Treasurer Gerhard Salinger wrote a motion, we took it to Council and won the vote, thus bringing PATC back into its appropriate role as the manager of one of the premier lodges on the AT. Dave continued to work on the property. One day he was felling a large tree on a neighbor’s property when he told his swamper to stand well back, as he was not sure which direction the tree would fall. When it fell, it knocked Dave down a steep bank and onto some rocks. By the time the helicopter got Dave to the hospital he had lost more than half his blood. He spent long months in rehab, and when he left he retired from cutting down large trees. (He did cut a few on his property in Wisconsin).

Appel Painting- This painting of Dave Appel hangs in Bear’s Den.

Painting by Penny Hauffe of Leesburg Va.

THE DAVE APPEL WE DIDN’T KNOW

A May 12 email from George Appel reported the death of 92-year-old PATC member David Appel. If anyone merits a detailed obituary, that would be Dave. When you walk in the door of Bears Den, look to the right, and over the fireplace you will see a large painting of Dave. For those who did not know Dave personally, I want to acquaint you with his impact on PATC. Dave was a long-time member of PATC who had retired to Wisconsin. In 1996 he went to Dave Startzell, the executive director of ATC, and asked to be permitted to renovate Bears Den. The building was in bad shape; much maintenance had been deferred, and it would take a lot of work. It was clear to Dave that without major maintenance it would eventually have to close. Beginning in 1997, he moved to Bears Den for several months each year with his wife Julia, living in a small trailer in the parking lot so that they would not have to occupy bed space in the lodge. From then through 2009, he led a variety of volunteer projects including: replacing more than thirty old windows in the Center; building wooden bunks for the dormitories; restoring the unused, dilapidated Cottage to usefulness; replacing electrical and plumbing systems; building a tool storage building, a gazebo, and three outdoor privies; felling dead and otherwise hazardous trees; splitting firewood; and maintaining the gravel entrance road and parking lots. Everything you see when you go to Bears Den is the product of Dave Appel’s work. Not only did he do that, with little assistance, but he personally paid for all the materials himself. The cost for him has been reported to run into six figures. Dave also played a key role in PATC’s present involvement in the Den. ATC owned Bears Den since the 1980s as the result of a highly controversial negotiation with PATC (not to the Club’s credit). ATC had neither the capability nor the desire to manage the property (ATC’s focus is on trail management, not property management), so the organization hired a series of managers. American Youth Hostels was the manager when I became


The Georgetown University Outdoor Education (GUOE) Program is the first Youth Group Organization to become a member of PATC. Kris Nessler, the Director, states “GUOE is very excited to be officially recognized as an organization member of PATC. While their programming includes climbing, kayaking, and the occasional rafting or pumpkin picking trips – backpacking and hiking constitute the vast majority of our programming. GUOE has for years hiked on the trails maintained by the PATC, slept in PATC cabins, and studied various routes on the maps produced by the club – we want to give back! GUOE hopes to contribute to the club with at least two service trips per-year, continued involvement with the L-N-T program and explore the possibility of getting current guides and alumni involved with PATC’s Hike Leader program.”

GUOE Mission is: Through wilderness based endeavors, Georgetown University Outdoor Education seeks to teach, to inspire, and guide students, creating a community where learning, personal challenge, reflection, and increased compassion for others and the environment are fostered and upheld as core values... All their programs are run by student guides. GUOE trains interested students in the skills that they need to run safe, enjoyable, and challenging outdoor trips. A number of GUOE’s members attended a Leave No Trace class taught by PATC at Blackburn this year and there are talks going on to have other members be a part to the hike Leaders class this Fall.

This has been made possible because Council voted to change the By-Laws so that Youth Groups could have 150 members up from the previously stated number of 25, there-by making it possible to attract College and University Outdoor Clubs/organizations. Partnering with youth groups helps fulfill two of the areas of PATC’s Strategic Plan – Leadership, develop of programs that reflect our diverse community and support organizational growth and Partnerships, partner with organizations to reflect the diverse communities we serve and strengthen our ties with private sector partners.

It has taken over four years of work and many fails attempts to achieve this milestone and hopefully GUOE will be the first of many college groups who will join the PATC membership. If anyone knows of a youth outdoor group that would be a good prospective member please contact Steve McLaughlin, Supervisor of Membership or Rush Williamson, Youth Liaison.

~ Rush Williamson

Dave always assisted anyone who needed help, and often prepared meals which he shared with all comers. After eating together and washing the dishes, we often engaged in impromptu group sing-alongs. On other occasions Dave took it upon himself to carefully organize, plan, and promote the group meals and singings.

Dave’s professional life included a PhD. in fluid mechanics from University of Iowa. He taught fluid mechanics and engaged in research for eight years at the University of Iowa and later the University of Kansas. He then moved to Wisconsin and was employed by Kimberly Clark, a paper products company. Dave, a "senior research associate," retired from Kimberly Clark in January, "senior research associate," 1980. He was the first recipient of the Ernst Mahler Award for excellence in engineering research.

Dave had very diverse interests and talents. Along with their three children he and his wife, Julia, became sailors. In 1957 they went down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, and returned via the east coast and the Erie Canal in a 32-foot auxiliary sailboat. Later they built their own 35-foot sailboat from a bare fiberglass hull. Dave obtained a captain's license and took passengers on a voyage from Wisconsin to Lake Champlain. They also ventured into unfamiliar waters in the Virgin Islands, Sweden and Wisconsin on chartered sailboats.

Dave eventually had to stop working at Bears Den because of age, and he and Julia stayed at their home in Wisconsin, where he died in a hospice. Julia, his wife of 68 years, survives him, along with three children: George Appel, Janet Snyder, and Raymond Appel; five grandchildren, Shane, Jeri, Alice, Ryan and Stephen; and two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Brianna.

~ Tom Johnson

PATC GETS ITS FIRST YOUTH GROUP AFFILATION

Youth Affiliation- New Youth Affiliation members at Meadows Cabin with Cindy Kelly, Leave No Trace Trainer

Photo by Rush Williamson


These courses are designed to enhance your understanding of Leave No Trace practices and ethics and to increase your level of expertise and confidence in teaching Leave No Trace skills. Through focused activities, hands-on field experience and both formal and informal discussions, you will be introduced to concepts and methods that will advance your knowledge of Leave No Trace issues, expand your repertoire of low-impact skills and increase your effectiveness in teaching these important skills to others.

On completion of this course, participants will be registered as Leave No Trace Trainers with the national Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics and will receive a certificate of course completion as well as their Leave No Trace Trainer lapel pin.

PATC Member Price - $45 / Non-Members - $65, includes all course materials and weekend meals (except lunches).

Class sizes are limited to eight students, so register early!

Visit www.patc.net/lnt to register or contact Cindy Kelly at [email protected] for more information.

Pre-registration is required. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

2017 Schedule of Classes(Spring, Summer and Fall)

Potomac Appalachian Trail Cluband Trail Patrol Present

2017 Leave No Trace Trainer Courses

• Saturday/Sunday, Sept. 16 - 17 Shenandoah National Park

(Cabin Course – This course takes place in and around a park cabin. There is no backpacking. All students may stay overnight in the cabin bunks or opt to pitch a tent.)


The PATC welcomes letters to the editor of the Potomac Appalachian

from members concerning club activities or operations. Send your letter to [email protected]. Letters

must be fewer than 200 words and may be edited for brevity and clarity. Include your full

name -- anonymous submissions and pseudonyms will not be

considered. Also include your mailing address, email address

and telephone number. These are used only for verification and will not be published. Letters become the property of the PATC and may

be republished in any format.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

But after a quick huddle, Ranger Dave Jenkins and crew chief Wayne Limberg decided to give it a try. Having summer crews this year had been touch and go until the SNP Trust graciously agreed to provide funding. Granted, it meant changing plans to work on Jeremy’s Run in favor of Dickey Ridge so that the crew would be close to shelter if a storm rolled in. But trail work is trail work and this week’s crew of seven was one of the largest in recent years and included four veterans—Limberg, Scott Miller, Dave Nebhut and Tony Snyder—and three new recruits—Randolph Charles, Paul Wambach and Juergen Lunkwitz—who were no strangers to hard work. After an

SNP SUMMER CREW: RAIN, RAIN GO AWAY

As the old poem goes, “the outlook wasn’t brilliant” as the North District Summer Crew gathered at Shenandoah National Park headquarters the morning of May 22. It had rained most the night at Pinnacles Research Center and late arrivals reported steady drizzle on the east side of the ridge. NOAA was predicting showers and thunderstorms all week. This would not be the first time a crew week was called on account of rain. The park’s ridgeline is no place to be with a McLeod or rock bar in a thunderstorm.

HARDWORKING HOODLUMS

HOST THRU‑HIKER PICNIC

The North District Hoodlums started their May 20th work trip in fog and grey skies. These conditions stuck around all day. Although dreary, the crew stayed in high spirits as this made for comfortable working conditions. In addition to trail work, the Hoodlums hosted their annual cookout for AT thru-hikers.

The work crew of 14 divided into two groups. Peter Harris led a crew on the Marshall Mountain section of the AT. They did some much needed replacements of water bars and check dams on the climb to the viewpoint at North Marshall peak. Noel Freeman led a crew to the wilderness section of Pass Mountain Trail to do a few hours of manual weeding. The vegetation on Pass Mountain grows fast and this year the weeds came in early. The Hoodlums normally do the first cutting in June.

Meanwhile Joe Wood and David Nebhut set up an outdoor kitchen and fired up the grill at the Elkwallow Picnic Grounds just a few hundred feet from the AT. In early afternoon they began serving burgers, hot dogs, and veggies to passing thru-hikers. After finishing up its work, the crew joined the thru-hikers and helped with eating the great food being cooked up. At day’s end, Joe and David served 45 hungry hikers and Hoodlums. The hikers were appreciative of the unexpected meal and the work that PATC does on the AT. The Hoodlums enjoyed the opportunity to hear stories from the trail and to get to know some of the folks who use it.

The Hoodlums work in the North District of SNP on the third Saturday of every month, March through October. If you would like to join them, contact [email protected].

Summer Crew: SNP North District summer crew, standing, left to right: Dave Nebhut, Scott Miller, Ranger Dave Jenkins, Ranger Garrett Wilson, and Juergen Lunkwitz; kneeling: Randolph Charles, Paul Wambach and Tony Snyder.

Photo by Wayne Limberg


TRAILHEAD

thanks for your dedicated service with the Spooky Beavers. You'll be missed!

On Saturday, May 6, the Spooky Beaver crew hosted 35 Prince William County elementary and middle school children and their parents on their annual Earth Day trail maintenance service project. Two crews mentored by Steve Osbrach / Ralph Kerr and Dennis Calhoun / Rob Dotson attacked the Laurel Loop Trail, performing spring maintenance on the trail's many water diversion devices, building two new water bars, and clipping vegetation along the path. Mark Ellis led another crew on the Crossing Trail, clearing and renovating its water diversions and clipping vegetation. During the service project, the children learned about trail maintenance, soil conservation, and keeping the hiking paths safe for hikers. Many thanks to Deb Oliver from Prince William County Public Works and her husband, Mike, for coordinating this popular event each year. Thanks to Ralph Kerr for the photos, especially the one with Steve Osbrach and the all-girl crew!

SPOOKY BEAVERS’ MAY WORKTRIPS

Brave souls took a chance the rain would stop (it did) to participate in the May Spooky Beaver Crew workday. Crew chief Mark Ellis oriented several volunteers on proper water diversion clearing and repair on the Turkey Run Ridge Trail. George Weissbach did likewise with four first-time volunteers on his Taylor Farm Rd Trail. Gary Reed and Jenny Sell attacked the early season vegetation on their section of the South Valley Trail, and Allen Wheeler and Steve Pozza checked damage from a week's worth of rain on their sections of the South Valley Trail. All four of the new volunteers found us via a Meet-Up posting. Hopefully we have not scared them away from returning!

One sad note—Gary Reed and Jenny Sell announced they're heading north, and will not be able to maintain their section of the South Valley Trail (the longest and toughest trail section in the park). Many

hour or more of sign-in and job hazard analysis, the crew headed off with rangers Dave and Eric Jenkins for some waterbar and checkdam work on Dickey Ridge.

Rain and mist persisted for the rest of the week. So did the crew. All told, it clocked nearly 200 hours of work, despite the weather. On Tuesday the crew returned to Dickey Ridge with rangers Eric Jenkins and Dave Beers for some weeding and blowdown removal, taking out seven downed trees. Wednesday had the crew hacking away at vines and weeds in the tangle just across Skyline Drive from Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. Thursday saw more blowdown removal as the crew finished up on Dickey Ridge and tackled some strays on the AT south of Jenkins Gap and Little Hogback that the ridgerunner had reported. With still more rain predicted for Friday, most of the crew left for home when work was done on Thursday but three stayed on until midday Friday to do some weeding at Elkwallow. April showers may bring spring flowers, but May drizzle means more weeds on the way!

Jim Tomlin will lead a second crew week in SNP’s Central District August 27 to September 1. Interested? Contact [email protected].

Girl Power! Steve Osbrach poses with his all-girl crew at a newly installed water bar.

Photo by Wayne Limberg

Spooky Beaver Crew Chief Mark Ellis talks to youth and parents about tool safety.

Photo by Ralph Kerr


July

1 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—Yankee Clippers: Caledonia State Park, PA, 8:45 a.m.

AT work trip in PA. No experience needed! Dress for being out until late afternoon. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Caledonia State Park but be sure to contact Pete for more information and to be notified in the event plans change.INFO: Pete Brown ([email protected])

2 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Doyles River and Jones Run Loops, SNP, VA, 8 a.m.

Both hikes are clockwise loops. All hikers start at Browns Gap and go north on the AT. After a short distance, long hikers turn left to complete Big Run Loop. Moderate hikers continue on the AT to Big Run Overlook where they are rejoined by the long hikers. All hikers turn right to descend Doyle River Trail and then ascend Jones Run Trail. At the AT, they turn right to return to Browns Gap, completing the loops. Est. 11 mi. (level 22 – difficult) and 8.5 mi. (level 18 – challenging). PATC map 11. Fare: $20/$25 plus park fee or pass. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Vienna Metro.INFO: Annetta DePompa 410-535-5171 ([email protected]) or Chris Bublitz 240/687-3390 ([email protected])

4 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Pine Hill‑AT‑Broad Hollow Trail Loop, SNP, 8:15 a.m.

We will start at the parking area off Rte. 681 and go down the road, up Pine Hill Gap trail, down the Short Mtn. Trail, up the Hannah Run trail and across to and up the AT. We will return via the Hazel Mtn. and Broad Hollow trials to the start. Approximately 18 mi. and 3900’ elevation gain. Numerous short cut alternatives available.INFO: Gene Whitaker ([email protected])

5 (Wednesday)

MEETING—New Member Meeting: Vienna, VA, 7:30 p.m.

New to PATC? Or just have questions about the club? Come join us for our New Member meetings, held on the first Wednesday of each month at our headquarters building. Our store will also be open starting at 6 p.m. if you want to stop by early and pickup a map or book.INFO: Steve McLaughlin ([email protected])

8 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—Spooky Beaver Crew: PWFP, Triangle, VA 9 a.m.Join the Spooky Beaver Trail Crew to maintain the 37 mi. of hiking paths in historic Prince William Forest Park. Take Exit 150 (Quantico / Triangle) off I-95 and head west on Rte. 619 (Joplin Rd) for less than a mile. Park entrance is on the right. Meet at the Turkey Run Education Center parking lot by 9 a.m. Wear boots and dress for the weather; bring water, a trail lunch, and leather work gloves. We typically work until 2:30 p.m. but you can when you like. Please let Mark Ellis know if you are coming.INFO: Mark Ellis 703-376-4150 ([email protected])

9 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: AT, Caledonia State Park, PA, 8 a.m.

Hiking the beautiful trails south of Pine Grove Furnace, long hikers start their hike off Shippensburg Rd. at Fegley Rd. They follow the AT down to the Rocky Knob Trail, viewing the tall rhododendrons and hemlocks near the Long Pine reservoir on the way and continue to the Dark Hollow Loop Trail to more huge rhododendrons and hemlocks on the Ramble Trail and Conococheague Creek in Caledonia. Moderate hikers go north from Caledonia with a climb on the AT and do a scenic loop on the Dark Hollow/Hosack Trail back through the same rhododendrons and hemlocks and along the same creek to the bus in Caledonia. Hikers wishing to use the Park's pool (fee required) should bring swimming wear. Est. 12 mi. (level 15 – challenging) and 8 mi. (level

12 – intermediate). PATC Map 2-3. Fare: $20/$25, swimming fee extra. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Grosvenor Metro.INFO: Mike Ollinger 301/933-2196 ([email protected]) or Anna Oldak 301-933-2196 ([email protected])

9 (Sunday)

TRAINING—Trail Maintenance Workshop, 9 a.m.

Learn the basics of trail maintenance. Clipping, blazing, water bars, grade dips, trail safety. This is on-the-job training. We will walk a trail section with tools and learn to perform the tasks necessary for routine maintenance. This training class will be on a section of the Bull Run Occoquan trail near Centerville VA. 9 a.m. to noon or so. Bring water, snacks, bug spray, work clothes and gloves, clippers and safety glasses if you have them. I will provide tools and hard hats. Email me for more info and to register.INFO: Robert Fina ([email protected])

11 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Cacapon State Park, 8:45 a.m.Starting at the nature center, we will explore the park using the park trails, a fire road and a gravel road, making two climbs of Cacapon Mountain. Optional splashdown at the swimming beach afterward. About 16 mi. with 3400’ elevation gain. (PATC Map L)INFO: Joan DAlonzo 302-530-4202 ([email protected])

15 (Saturday)

HIKE—Natural History Hike, 8 a.m.

Let's hike from Skyland up to Stony Man and loop around Little Stony Man and return on the Passamaquoddy Trail. We'll also visit the view from Miller's Head and a few relic sites from the early days of Skyland. This approximately 7-mi. hike will include the ascent of about 500' to Stony Man summit. As always on the natural history hikes, we'll be stopping frequently to identify plants, salamanders, birds and cultural artifacts. Dinner in Sperryville afterwards is optional. Meet at the north side Vienna metro at 8 a.m.INFO: Bob Pickett ([email protected])


FORECAST

15 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—Yankee Clippers: Tuscarora Trail Work Trip, 8:30 a.m.Tuscarora Trail work trip in Pennsylvania. No experience needed! Dress for being out until late afternoon and bring lunch and water.INFO: Pete Brown ([email protected])

15 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—ND Hoodlums: Work Trip, 9 a.m.It’s all good! Join with the Hoodlums for their July work trip. The Hoodlums work on the AT and blue-blazed trails in the North District (Front Royal Entrance Station to Thornton Gap) of SNP. After a day of hard work, we will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow trail workers and a potluck at Elkwallow Picnic Area. This time we are trying something different; breakfast at the end of the day. You won't want to miss it. Come for the day, stay for dinner, and camp overnight if you wish. Or just come out and work with us for the day. Newcomers are always welcome! We will meet at Piney River Ranger Station, milepost 22 on Skyline Drive just across from Matthews Arm Campground at 9 a.m. INFO: Janice Cessna ([email protected])

16 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Seneca Creek, MD, 8 a.m.

Long hikers start at a parking area along Berryville Rd. and follow the Seneca Creek Greenway Trail. Moderate hikers will join the long hikers' rte. at the parking lot off of Rte. 28 (Darnestown Rd.). All hikers go north on the trail to the bus at the Park Office parking lot near the Grusendorf Log House. Est. 12.8 mi. (level 17 – challenging) and 10.4 mi. (level 15 – challenging). Extra Long Hikers have the option of adding an additional 3.7 mi. non-led, on the Lake Shore Trail loop around Clopper Lake. Seneca Creek State Park Map, MD-DNR. Fare: $20/$25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Grosvenor Metro.INFO: Jeff Thompson 703/859-0157 ([email protected]) or Elisa Braver 202-248-2171 ([email protected])

18 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Neighbor Mountain and Jeremy's Run, 8:30 a.m.We will start on Jeremy's Run Rd. near Rileyville. The hike will go up Neighbor Mountain, pick up the AT Northbound and then hike back down Jeremy's Run. It should give us plenty of opportunities for getting wet in the final miles. We cross Jeremy's Run about 13 times on our way down, and there is supposed to be a nice waterfall towards the end. We can have lunch at Elkwallow Wayside. The hike is approximately 15 mi. and includes about 3000’ of ascent.INFO: Mike Evanoff ([email protected])

22 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—DC Crew: Rock Creek Park, 8:15 a.m.Join the DC Crew on a summer Saturday in Rock Creek Park! We will be working on the Valley Trail as we continue our efforts to improve access within the park. Meet first at the Nature Center at 8:20 a.m. at 5200 Glover Rd. NW; Washington DC 20015. We will carpool to the worksite and expect to finish by noon. No experience necessary; all are welcome. Please bring gloves and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for a few hours of manual labor. Rain or shine.INFO: Alex Sanders ([email protected])

22‑23 (Saturday‑Sunday)

Trail Work—Cadillac Crew: Antietam National Battlefield, 9:30 a.m.

Working on trails within the hallowed grounds of Antietam including upgrading a short section of turnpike, improving water diversion features, building a new switchback, and adding checkdams. Bring work gloves, lunch and water. Tools will be provided. We will be staying Friday night through Sunday morning at the Shepherds Spring Retreat facility (bunkhouse and tent sites) near the work site with Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast provided. Saturday happy hour is potluck. Pre-registration required.Information: Kirsten Elowsky703-554-4979 ([email protected])

23 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Camp Rapidan to Big Rock Falls, Central SNP, 8 a.m.

This hike includes a ridge walk on the AT, a trip to the historic Camp Rapidan, and a swimming opportunity at Big Rock Falls on the return trip to Milam Gap. Moderate hikers start at Milam Gap, go south on the AT and turn left on Laurel Prong Trail to Camp Rapidan. There they ascend Mill Prong Trail to Milam Gap. Long hikers start at Fishers Gap, go south on the AT, and at Milam Gap they reach the beginning of the moderate hike, which they follow for the rest of the hike. Est. 11.4 mi. (level 19 – difficult) and 7.3 mi. (level 16 – challenging). PATC Map 10. Fare $20/25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Vienna Metro.INFO: Kiko Alvarez 607-279-3455 ([email protected]) or Susana Mendez 607-279-4262 ([email protected])

25 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Great Falls, MD, 8 a.m.

We will meet at the parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn on MacArthur Blvd. We will hike Billy Goat B, C, and A, to the Overlook, River, Ford Mine, and Gold Mine trails and return on the Berma Rd. Approximately 17 mi. and 1500’ elevation. INFO: Lou Hurwitz 703-623-9619 ([email protected])

25 (Tuesday)

MEETING—PATC Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.

Monthly meeting of the PATC Executive Committee for PATC officers and invitees only. To participate by phone (by invitation only), dial 1-877-746-4263 and when prompted, enter participant code 020 3572#.INFO: Brewster Thackeray ([email protected])


30 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Antietam Battlefield, MD, 8 a.m.

Antietam was one of the most decisive battles of the Civil War and also the bloodiest, as more men were killed or wounded than on any other day in US military history. Our hike today will cover the major confrontations during the battle on September 17, 1862. Both long and moderate hikes are flexible as to distance with no major elevation gain. The major trails cover over 12 mi. and include major attacks and defenses by Union and Confederate soldiers, such as Bloody Lane and the Burnside Bridge. Est. 10 mi. (level 13 – intermediate) and 8 mi. (level 12 – intermediate). NPS Map. Fare: $20/25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Grosvenor MetroINFO: Jesse Buckwalter 443-852-4094 ([email protected]) or Pat Fairfax 703/328-1501 ([email protected])

August

1 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Trout Pond Rec. Area, 8:45 a.m.

We will do a figure-8 circuit to include Trout Pond, Laurel Spur and Run, Stack Rock, Great N. Mtn, and Long Trails back to TPRA. Please print maps attached to email announcement. We will be able to cool off in Rockcliff Lake. 17 mi. 3200' elevation. Trout Pond/Gr. N. Mtn. (PATC Map F)INFO: David Saah ([email protected])

2 (Wednesday)

MEETING—New Member Meeting: Vienna, VA, 7:30 p.m.New to PATC? Or just have questions about the club? Come join us for our New Member meetings, held on the first Wednesday of each month at our headquarters building. Our store will also be open starting at 6 p.m. if you want to stop by early and pick up a map or book.INFO: Steve McLaughlin ([email protected])

5 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—North Chapter: PA, 8:30 a.m.

Trail work trip in PA. No experience needed! Dress for being out until afternoon and bring lunch and water.The work trip will be followed by the North Chapter annual corn roast.INFO: Pete Brown ([email protected])

5 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—WORK TRIP, AT, MD, 9 a.m.

Please bring plenty of water, lunch, gloves and boots. This event will be close to the road, shortened, or both, if the weather is hot. We meet near Frederick,MD at 9 a.m. INFO: Leonard Keifer ([email protected])

6 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: South River Falls, Central SNP, VA, 8 a.m.

Long hikers will start at the South River Picnic Area, take the AT north to Pocosin Fire Rd., Pocosin Trail, right onto the South River Fire Trail, left onto unnamed fire road and left along South River Falls Trail to the South River Falls. The hikers then ascend the trail to the South River Parking Area. Moderate hikers start at the picnic area, head directly towards the Pocosin Fire Rd., turning right onto Pocosin Trail, right at South River Falls Trail and join the long hike route. Est. 10 mi. (level 21 – difficult) and 7 mi. (level 16 – challenging). PATC Map 10. Fare: $20/$25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Vienna MetroINFO: Jaime Iranzo 301/503-3574 ([email protected]) or Lindsay Dudbridge 703-731-2070 ([email protected])

8 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Heiskell Hollow Overall Run Loop, 8:30 a.m.

Starting on the Thompson Hollow Trail, the hike will ascend to the Matthews Arm Campground on the Heiskell Hollow Trail and return via the Elkwallow, Appalachian and Overall Run Trails. This circuit is about 16 mi. with about 3500’ of climb.INFO: Tom Kloster ([email protected])

8 (Tuesday)

MEETING— PATC Council Meeting, Vienna, VA, 7 p.m.

The PATC Council meets every month except for January, July and November to conduct the business of the club. All members are welcome. Come see how we make decisions about your Club. Meetings start promptly at 7 p.m. and generally end around 9 p.m. To participate by phone, dial 1-877-746-4263 and when prompted, enter participant code 024 7170#INFO: Brewster Thackeray 703-242-0315 x105 ([email protected])

12 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—Spooky Beaver Crew: PWFP, 9 a.m.

Join the Spooky Beaver Trail Crew as we maintain the 37 miles of hiking paths in historic Prince William Forest Park, Triangle, VA. Take Exit 150 (Quantico / Triangle) off I-95 and head west on Rte. 619 (Joplin Rd) for less than a mile. Park entrance is on the right. Meet at the Turkey Run Education Center parking lot by 9 a.m. Wear boots and dress for the weather; bring water, a trail lunch, and leather work gloves. We typically work until 2:30 p.m., but you can leave when you like. Please let Mark Ellis know if you are coming.INFO: Mark Ellis 703-376-4150 ([email protected])


FORECAST

13 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County, PA, 8 a.m. This is a relatively flat, mostly wooded hike around a large lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park. Starting at the Quaker Race Parking Area, moderate hikers do a counterclockwise hike around the lake using the Lakeside Trail. Hikers can add 1-3 mi. by adding on the Quaker Race or Pinchot Loops through remote, hillier sections of the park. Long hikers start at the Squire Gratz Rd. entrance to the Park and take the Mason Dixon Trail clockwise around the lake, joining the Lakeside Trail for the last three miles. Est. 12 mi. (level 15 – challenging), 9 mi. (level 11 – intermediate). Easy option available. Maps: Mason-Dixon Map 5 and Pinchot State Park Map. Fare: $20/25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Grosvenor Metro.INFO: Bill Peters 301-337-5858 ([email protected]) or Michael Roehm 301-223-7385 ([email protected])

15 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers, Central SNP, 8:30 a.m.

Nethers, Nicholson Hollow, Skyland and Return. From the Old Rag parking lot we will go up Nicholson Hollow Trail, the AT, and return via the Horse Trail, Old Rag Fire Rd., Corbin Mtn., and Nicholson Hollow Trails. Approximately 18 mi. and 3300’ ascent. Shortcut alternatives are available. (PATC Map 10)INFO: Mina Goodrich ([email protected])

19 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—DC Crew: Rock Creek Park, 8:15 a.m.

Join the DC Crew on a summer Saturday in Rock Creek Park! We will be working on the Valley Trail as we continue our efforts to improve access within the park. Meet first at the Nature Center at 8:20 a.m. at 5200 Glover Road, NW; Washington DC 20015.

We will carpool to the worksite and expect to finish by noon. No experience necessary; all are welcome. Please bring gloves and wear appropriate footwear and clothing for a few hours of manual labor. Rain or shine.INFO: Alex Sanders ([email protected])

19 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—Yankee Clippers: Tuscarora Trail, 8:30 a.m.

Tuscarora Trail work trip in PA. No experience needed! Dress for being out until late afternoon and bring lunch and water.INFO: Pete Brown ([email protected])

19 (Saturday)

TRAIL WORK—ND Hoodlums: SNP, 9 a.m.

Join with the Hoodlums in July. The Hoodlums work on the AT and blue-blazed trails in the North District (Front Royal Entrance Station to Thornton Gap) of SNP. After a day of hard work, we will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow trail workers with a potluck meal at Elkwallow Picnic Area. It being August, the theme this month is subs and salads. Come for the day, stay for dinner, and camp overnight if you wish. Or just come out and work with us for the day. Newcomers are always welcome! We will meet at Piney River Ranger Station, milepost 22 on Skyline Drive just across from Matthews Arm Campground at 9 a.m. INFO: Janice Cessna ([email protected])

20 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Riprap Hollow, Southern SNP, VA, 8 a.m.

This hike combines stunning vistas along Calvary and Chimney Rocks, as well as a refreshing dip at a deep spring-fed swimming hole. All hikes end at the Moormans River Overlook, after doing a counterclockwise loop. Moderate hikers start at the Horsehead Mountain Overlook,

hike three quarters of a mi. south on the AT, turn right onto the Riprap Falls Trail, skirting Calvary and Chimney Rocks, before descending into Riprap Hollow (swimming hole). Hikers then ascend the Wildcat Ridge Trail to the Wildcat Ridge parking area and take a left on Skyline Drive to the overlook. Long hikers begin their hike at Moormans River Overlook and hike north on the AT before joining the beginning of the moderate hike 3 mi. later. Extra-long hike options are available. Est. 10 mi. (level 19 – difficult) and 7 mi. (level 17 – challenging). PATC Map 11. Fare: $20/$25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Vienna Metro. INFO: Kathryn Good 571-218 9225 ([email protected]) orVicky Hsu 240-370-7011([email protected])

22 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: Snickers Gap to Keys Gap Loop, 8 a.m.

Starting from the parking lot located at the north side of Rte. 7 at the intersection with Rte. 601, we will hike north on the AT towards Keys Gap. After 8 mi., we will stop for lunch and return. 16 mi. 3500 ft. (PATC Map 7)INFO: Barry Winkelman 301-367-7547 ([email protected])

26‑27 (Saturday‑Sunday)

Trail Work—Cadillac Crew: Trailblazing, Vining Cabin, 9:30 a.m. We will build new trails connecting the out buildings on the property surrounding the Vining Cabin. Bring work gloves, lunch and water. Tools will be provided. We will be staying at a member's home in Stanardsville, VA. Potluck happy hour, supper and breakfasts. Information: Kirsten Elowsky703-554-4979 ([email protected])


27 (Sunday)

HIKE—Wanderbirds: Calvert Cliffs State Park and Battlecreek Cypress Swamp, MD, 8 a.m.

This hike along wetland areas and sandy hillsides, allows hikers to stroll along the beaches beneath the 50-to-80-feet-high Calvert Cliffs. The cliffs, which contain a treasure trove of fossils, is now off limits for prospecting, but hikers can keep sharks teeth and shells found on the beaches. Depending on time availability, hikers may also stroll along the quarter mi. boardwalk of the Battle Creek Cypress Swamp’s ecological sanctuary, which includes the northernmost, naturally-occurring stand of bald cypress trees in America. At the end of the hike there will be a good beach for swimming. Est. 11 mi. (level 13 – intermediate) and 6 mi. (level 9 – intermediate). Maryland DNR Map: Calvert Cliffs. Fare: $20/$25. Departs from 17th & K Sts. and the Grosvenor Metro.INFO: Josh Silverman 703/582-3456 ([email protected]) or Roslyn Rubin 703/812-4855([email protected])

27‑ 1 (Sunday‑Friday)

TRAIL WORK—Central District Trail Crew: SNP, VA, 4 p.m. This six day crew will be housed at the Pinnacle Research Center near the Pinnacle Picnic Area in the Central District. Vehicles may be driven to the Center. Crew members will pack their own lunches, and breakfast will be self-serve at the cabin. The crew will eat out for dinner. A PATC Manager will stay with the crew & work together under the supervision of a Park Ranger. For more information see: http://www.patc.net/WorkCrews INFO: Heidi Forrest ([email protected])

29 (Tuesday)

HIKE—Vigorous Hikers: AT, Jenkins Gap, SNP, 8 a.m.

AT south from Rte. 522 trailhead over Compton Peak (2 interesting side trails, view and/or hexagonal columns) to Jenkins Gap; Jenkins Gap Trail to Rte. 634; right onto Rte. 622 to Lands Run Gap Rd. up to the gap at Skyline Drive; down Hickerson Hollow Trail to 600 to right on 602; left on AT back to cars. We will head for ice cream, frozen yogurt etc., at Spelunker's located in Front Royal. Approximately 18 mi. /3700’ elevation. Northern District SNP (Map 9)INFO: Mike Christiani ([email protected])

29 (Tuesday)

MEETING—PATC Executive Committee Meeting, Vienna, VA, 7 p.m.

Monthly meeting of the PATC Executive Committee for PATC officers and invitees only. To participate by phone (by invitation only), dial 1-877/746-4263 and when prompted, enter participant code 020 3572#.INFO: Brewster Thackeray ([email protected])

Note to Members- Please disregard the June issue Forecast events for July. These were pennedmistakenly. Corrections have been made and appear in the this issue.


FORECAST

Trails

Pennsylvania AT, blue blazed & Tuscarora ~ maps [2‑3, 4, j, & k] Pete brown ~ 410/343‑1140 [email protected]

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ Sterretts Gap to Cranes Gap (3.6 mi)

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ Cranes Gap to Longs Gap (2.5 mi)

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ Longs Gap to PA Rte.74 (3.3 mi)

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ McClure’s Gap to Warner Trail (3.7 mi)

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ Cowpens Road to 3 Square Hollow Rd. (1.9mi)

• PA Tuscarora Trail [J] ~ Hemlock Road to Mountain Road (4.9mi)

• PA Tuscarora [K] ~ Co-Overseer ~ Alice Trail to Yellow Blazed Trail (4.2 mi)

• Hunter Trail ~ Tuscarora Trail to PA 16 (.8 mi)

Harpers Ferry / Ashby Gap AT & Blue blazed ~ Map 7 & 8 Chris Brunton ~ 703‑967‑2226 [email protected]

• Appalachian Trail ~ Trans Mountain Trail to Duke Hollow (1.3mi)

• Appalachian Trail ~ Buzzard Rocks to south Blackburn Trail (2.8 mi)

SNP Central District Appalachian Trail ~ Map 10 John Hedrick ~ 540‑987‑8659 [email protected]

• Appalachian Trail ~ Bearfence Rock Scramble to Bearfence Hut Trail (1.1mi)

• Appalachian Trail ~ Pocosin Fire Road to Dean Mt. Road (2mi)

• Appalachian Trail ~ Dean Mt. Road to South River Fire Road (.9mi)

SNP Central District Blue blazed [south] ~ Map 10 Sean Dunn ~ 540‑478‑7953 [email protected]

• Cedar Run (upper) [W1/2] ~ 2nd stream crossing from the bottom to Hawksbill Gap (2.5mi)

• Jones Mountain Trail ~ Bear Church Rock to Cat Knob Trail (2.8mi)

• Johns Rest Trail ~ Johns Rest Cabin to Lower Entry Run Trail (1.75 mi)

SNP South District Appalachian Trail ~ Map 11 Don White ~ 804‑728‑3976 [email protected] Appalachian Trail ~ Co-Overseer ~ McCormick Gap to Beagle Gap (1.8 mi)

SNP South District Blue blazed ~Map 11 Steve Bair ~ [email protected] [email protected] Melanie Perl ~ 540‑717‑2821 [email protected]

• Onemile Run Trail ~ Twomile Run Overlook to 1st stream crossing (1.9 mi)

Big Run Loop South ~ Rockytop Trail to AT (0.7 mi.) Tuscarora Central ~ Map L John Spies ~ [email protected] [email protected]

• Tuscarora Trail ~ Hampshire Grade Road to High Rock (2.7 mi)

• Tuscarora Trail ~ Northern Rock field to Southern Rock field (1.5 mi)

• Rock Cave & Overlook Trail ~ Pinnacle Overlook to Pinnacle Campground (.1 mi)

• Whites Gap ~ Meadow Branch to CR 8/8 parking area (2.1 mi)

• Devils Nose Connector ~ Devils Nose Parking Area to Tuscarora Trail (.5 mi)

Tuscarora South ~ Map F, G, 9 John Stacy ~ 339‑223‑0416 [email protected]

• Tuscarora Trail ~ Cedar Creek to Ridge Crest (2.8 mi)

• Tuscarora Trail ~ Ridge Crest to Fetzer Gap (3.1 mi)

• Tuscarora Trail ~ Veach Gap to Morgan Road/Massanutten split (1 mi)

Tuscarora Trail ~ Rte. 340 to SNP boundary (1.1 mi) Massanutten North ~ Map

Anstruther Davidson ~ 703‑534‑8171 [email protected]

• Massanutten Mt. Trail ~ Gap Creek Trail to Scothorn Gap Trail (2.4 mi)

Great North Mountain ~ Map F

Mike Allen ~ (540) 869‑[email protected]

• Half Moon Trail ~ FR off WV23/10 Parking Lot to Tuscarora Trail (3.2 mi)

• Half Moon Lookout Trail ~ Half Moon Trail to Half Moon Lookout View (.8 mi)

• White Rock Trail ~ Tuscarora Trail to White Rock Cliff (.2 mi)

Help Wanted Continued Pg 22


Long Mountain Trail ~ Trout Pond Trail to FR 1621 (4.4 mi) Prince William Forest Park Mark Ellis ~ 703‑376‑4150 [email protected]

• South Valley Trail ~ High Meadows Trail to Scenic Drive, 1st intersect. (2.7 mi)

• Little Run Loop Trail ~ the Education Center to the Education Center (.6 mi)

• Muschette Trail ~ Orenda Fire Road to Orenda Fire Road (.2 mi)

Manassas National Battlefield Park John Price ~ 703‑407‑4334 [email protected]

• Stone Bridge/Farm Ford Loops ~ 1.3mi

• 1st Manassas [north section] ~ .6mi

• 1st Manassas/Matthews Hill ~ .4mi

• 1st Manassas [west section] ~ 1.3mi

• Brawner Farm Loop [H] ~ 1.9mi

• Unfinished RR Loop/Sudley-Thornberry Connector ~ .54mi

• Matthew Hill Loop [H] ~ 1.9mi

• Sudley-Thornberry Loop ~ .6mi

Anyone who is interested should email [email protected].

JOIN A TRAIL CREW!CONSERVATION BUYERS

WANTEDWe are aware of properties for sale that fall short of meeting

PATC's land acquisition criteria but adjoin Shenandoah Park, the Appalachian Trail corridor, the Tuscarora Trail or federal or state parklands that contain trails PATC maintains. These properties could further PATC's mission objective by buyers

voluntarily placing conservation easements on them, resulting in protecting wildlife habitat and steep slopes by reducing or

eliminating the amount of development local zoning allows on these properties. The donor of the conservation easement would

be entitled to federal tax deductions, and in Virginia would additionally be entitled to easement tax credits. PATC will

provide potential buyers with the location of the property and the realty firm's contact information. PATC's interest is to alert members that these properties exist and hope that a member has

an interest in acquiring and preserving them.

Get a FREE WEEK in Shenandoah National Park in late summer!

Each year, Shenandoah National Park and PATC offer the opportunity for volunteers to spend a week in the park, performing essential work to improve trails for hikers. SNP provides expert ranger assistance and leadership, as well as free rustic lodging. PATC provides much-needed volunteers.

Along with the exercise and fresh air, you will be learning new skills. We will be working in the Central District of SNP from Sunday, Aug. 27, to Friday, Sept. 1. Room and board provided. No experience needed, but you should be ready to put in an eight hour day of moderate physical labor.

If you can hike and garden, you can do this. Must be 18 or older. For details, contact the PATC crew chief, Jim Tomlin, at [email protected].

HELP WANTED CONTINUED


Basic Wilderness First Aid (BWFA)Day one of this two-day class covers Adult CPR and AED and American Heart Association First Aid. You will receive a textbook and a certification card good for two years. Day two is American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI) Basic Wilderness First Aid. You will learn how to do bleeding control, splinting and other basic first aid skills in the wilderness setting. There is plenty of hands-on time, and paramedics with years of backcountry experience teach the classes.

Cost of the class is $130, and it is held at PATC headquarters. Pre-registration is required no later than the Friday one week prior to the class. For more information or to download the registration form, go to www.patc.net/firstaid or contact Saleena DeVore at [email protected]

Wilderness First Aid (WFA)Join us for a 20-hour Wilderness First Aid Class! In this class, you will learn how to get help, move and transport patients, conduct patient assessments, documentation, how to handle medical and environmental emergencies, injury prevention and care and much more. There is plenty of hands-on practice with hypothetical scenarios. This class is conducted inside and outdoors on a trail. Each student will receive a certification card good for two years through ECSI and a waterproof field guide. Cost is $180, and pre-registration is required. The class is held in Frederick, Md. Please contact Saleena DeVore (see above) for more information or registration forms. No experience is required.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING AND TRAIL PATROL PRESENTS: BASIC WILDERNESS FIRST AID AND WILDERNESS FIRST AID

2017 Classes:

July 29-30 BWFA, Vienna

Sept. 30-Oct. 1 WFA, Frederick

Oct. 21-22 WFA, Frederick

Dec. 2-3 WFA, Frederick

Dec. 10-11 WFA Frederick

SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, November 29, 2017PATC’s 90th Anniversary Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet, November 29

We will begin the festivities at 6 p.m. with a social gathering, followed by a buffet-style dinner. The cost is $45 per person and the RSVP deadline is November 20. Register early; last year’s dinner sold out.

Please consider saluting PATC’s 90 years of service on the trails by upgrading to a Banquet Brigade Ticket for $90. Banquet Brigade Members will be listed in the event program and will receive special tokens of appreciation at registration. Registration and payment online is easy and secure by going to www.patc.net/2017meeting. You can also mail your payment and names of attendees to PATC, 118 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA 22180.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens9750 Meadowlark Gardens CourtVienna, VA

Please join our partners and friends for this special event. For more information, contact Staff Director Brewster Thackeray, [email protected] or 703-242-0315, Ext. 105

The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will celebrate its 90th anniversary at our Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on the evening of Wednesday, November 29, 2017. Members and Club leaders shall once again be gathering and dining in the lovely Atrium at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.


Potomac Appalachian(UPS-440-280) ©2017, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, Inc.Published monthly by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, Va. 22180. Periodical class postage paid at Vienna, Va. Postmaster: send address changes to: PATC, 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, Va. 22180 Subscription: (Free with membership) $9.00 annually; $ .75 single copies.

Printed on 100% Post Consumer Waste Paper

118 Park Street, S.E.Vienna, VA 22180‑4609

Telephone: 703/242‑0315

Monday‑Friday 11:30 a.m.‑1:30 p.m.

DEADLINE FOR POTOMAC APPALACHIAN ARTICLES AND FORECASTArticles to be considered for publication in PA should be submitted to [email protected]. Digital photos are welcome if they meet the requirements for a print publication, good contrast and at least 5x7 inches assuming a print resolution of 300 dots per inch. Please supply information for photo caption and name of photographer. Photographs need not be connected with a story.

Forecast items to be included should be posted to the PATC calendar at patc.net by the deadline.

FIRST OFTHE MONTH

Address: 118 Park Street, S.E., Vienna, Va. 22180Phone #: 703-242-0315Fax #: 703-242-0968Club E‑mail: [email protected]: www.patc.netClub President: Jim TomlinDon White: 703-242-0315Hours: Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.Club Officers and Chairs Contact InfoContact list is online at www.patc.net/contactsChange of Address? Log on to www.patc.net and update your address online, or contact [email protected]

Staff, During regular business hours

Position Staff Ext E‑mailStaff Director Brewster Thackeray 105 [email protected] Management Coord. Heidi Forrest 107 [email protected] Coordinator Diane Yang 103 [email protected] Coordinator Nicolas Haynor 106 [email protected] Coordinator Martha Reynolds 108 [email protected]/IT Coordinator Kit Sheffield 109 [email protected]

Potomac AppalachianEditor Dan Pulskamp [email protected] Dan VarelaForecast Editor Dan Varela [email protected] Designer Dom Webster

HOW TO CONTACT US Headquarters, Sales, Cabin Reservations, and Membership Information

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july 2017 - volume 4, number 7 patc’s 90th anniversary...

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